Method, system, and graphic user interface for enabling a customer to access a media file

ABSTRACT

A method, system, GUI, apparatus, and computer readable media for enabling a customer to access to a media file uploaded by a user are provided. A user profile may be generated using received login and profile information. The user profile may be hosted on, for example, a web site, SMS/MMS gateway, and a WAP site. A media file may be received from the user and may be upload to the user profile. The media file may be associated with a user account. A request to access the media file may be received from a customer. An account associated with the customer may be updated to indicate their requested access to the media file. The customer may then be enabled to access the media file. The user&#39;s account may be updated to indicate the transaction.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority pursuant to 35 U.S.C. §120, as acontinuation, to the following U.S. Utility patent application which ishereby incorporated herein by reference in its entirety and made part ofthe present U.S. Utility patent application for all purposes:

-   -   1. U.S. Utility application Ser. No. 12/417,575, entitled        “Method, System, and Graphic User Interface for Enabling a        Customer to Access a Media File,”, filed Apr. 2, 2009, pending.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of Invention

This invention relates to a method, system, graphic user interface(GUI), apparatus, and computer readable media for enabling a customer toaccess a media file uploaded by a user to a hosted user profile.

2. Discussion of Related Art

Current media file downloading sources such as iTunes™ and Rhapsody™offer customers the ability to purchase and download media files.Typically, these downloading sources receive media files from arecording industry representative and not from a user or artist. Oncereceived, a media file may then be processed and uploaded to a websitehosted by the downloading source so that they may be viewed and/orpurchased by one or more customers. In this way, a user or artist isdenied direct access to the downloading source. The lack of directaccess to a downloading source causes considerable delay in the time ittakes for a media file to get to market. This delay may, in turn, costthe user or artist valuable opportunities and financial benefits.Additionally, the lack of direct access to a downloading source denies auser or artist direct control over a media file they generate or areotherwise associated with.

Other websites, like MySpace.com™ and YouTube.com™, enable users toupload media content that may later be viewed by other users of thewebsite. However, this content is not available for download and/orpurchase by a viewing user.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

The present invention is illustrated by way of example, and notlimitation, in the figures of the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1A is a block diagram illustrating a network system in whichaspects of the invention are manifested, consistent with an embodimentof the present invention;

FIG. 1B is a block diagram illustrating a network system enabled toupdate a user and/or customer account, consistent with an embodiment ofthe present invention;

FIG. 1C is a block diagram illustrating a network system enabled toupdate a user and/or customer account, consistent with an embodiment ofthe present invention;

FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating components of a computer system,consistent with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a screenshot of an exemplary page displaying a GUI forenabling a user to generate and/or modify a user profile, consistentwith an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4A is a screenshot of an exemplary page displaying a GUI forenabling a user to generate and/or modify a user profile, consistentwith an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4B is a screenshot of a page showing an exemplary user's profile,consistent with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4C is a screenshot of a page showing an exemplary GUI 455 forproviding a user with a mechanism to access a user profile and/orinformation associated with a user profile, consistent with anembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 5 is a screenshot of a page showing an exemplary GUI for enabling auser to generate, modify, and/or sell a ringtone media file, consistentwith an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 6A is a screenshot of a page showing a exemplary GUI for enabling auser to upload, sell, and/or manage a graphic media file, consistentwith an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 6B is a screenshot of a page showing a exemplary GUI for providinga user with a statement of activity regarding the user profile,consistent with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 7 is a screenshot of a page showing an exemplary GUI for enabling auser to generate, modify, and/or add a widget, consistent with anembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 8 is a screenshot of a page showing an exemplary GUI for enabling auser to add and/or modify a promotional link associated with a user'sprofile and/or media file, consistent with an embodiment of the presentinvention;

FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary process for sellingmedia content uploaded to a user profile and/or host website, consistentwith an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary process for providingone or more sets of promotional and/or sales information and adding aselected set of information to a user's profile or another application,consistent with an embodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary process for storing amedia file in a digital library, consistent with an embodiment of thepresent invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

FIG. 1A is a block diagram illustrating a network system 10 for enablinga customer to access a media file uploaded by a user to a hosted userprofile. System 100 includes a user computer system 24, a user mobilesystem 32, the Internet 30, a short message service (SMS)/multimediamessaging service (MMS) network 40, a wireless application protocol(WAP) network 38, a server computer system 22, a website 48, a SMS/MMSgateway 52, a WAP site 50, an application programming interface (API)52, a transcoding service 54, a subscription and purchase managementsystem 56, a content delivery platform and content management system 46,a file server 42, a file database 44, an administrator 58, a third partyuser 60, and communication links 62.

User computer system 24 may communicate with server computer system 22via a web site, such as web site 48, over a network, such as Internet30. User mobile device 32 may communicate with a SMS/MMS gateway, suchas SMS/MMS gateway 52 via, for example an SMS/MMS network such asSMS/MMS network 40. User mobile device 32 may also communicate with aWAP site such as WAP site 50 via a WAP network 38 such as WAP network38.

Server computer system 22 may include a file store in the form of fileserver 42 and a data store in the form of file database 44. Filedatabase 44 may store one or more media files and/or libraries of mediafiles. A library of media files stored by file database 44 may includemedia files improted directly from, for example, a media distributioncompany or a record label like Sony Music™ or Universal Studios™ Filedatabase 44 may be in communication with file server 42. API 52 may be aset of instructions, protocols, methods, and/or functions that enablesystem 100 to perform a request from any of the components of system100.

Content delivery platform and management system 46 may, for example,classify and/or index media files such as ringtones (reduced mediacontent), full-track content, games, wallpaper, graphics, MP3s, andmedia files using one or more categories. Content delivery platform andmanagement system 46 may provide information to a customer regarding amedia file based on, for example, it's classification and/or indexing.Media files to be indexed may be from, for example, a file server suchas file server 42. Indexed media files may be stored in, for example, astructured manner that may enable accessing the media file and/ordownloading the indexed media file to a website like website 48, a WAPsite like WAP site 50, a SMS/MMS gateway like SMS/MMS gateway 52, and/ora transcoding service like transcoding service 54. Indexed media filesmay be stored in a database like file database 44.

Subscription and purchase management system 56 may include instructionsthat may enable the managing of subscriptions to, for example, a hostwebsite, a user profile, and/or a media file. Subscription and purchasemanagement system 56 may also include instructions that may enable themanaging of the purchase of a subscription and/or access to a mediafile. Subscription and purchase management system 56 may enable theupdating of a customer account to indicate, for example, the customersaccess of a website like website 48, a WAP site like WAP site 50, aSMS/MMS gateway like SMS/MMS gateway 52, a user profile, or a mediafile. Subscription and purchase management system 56 may also enableproviding a customer with access to a good or service when the customercommunicates with, for example, a website like website 48, a WAP sitelike WAP site 50, a SMS/MMS gateway like SMS/MMS gateway 52.

Transcoding service 54 may prepare communication suitable fortransmission over internet 30, WAP network 38, and/or SMS/MMS network40. Administrator 58 may be any administrator of server computer system22 and may provide instructions to one or more components of servercomputer system 22. Third party user 60 may be any third party not incommunication with to the website 48, SMS/MMS gateway 52 and WAP site50. Third party user 60 may be enabled to access API 52 via, forexample, a widget, API, or link external to server computer system 22.

Communication between one or more components of system 100 may be madevia a communication link like communication link 62. Communication links62 may be any appropriate communication link and may be wired orwireless.

FIG. 1B is a block diagram illustrating a network system 101 enabled toupdate a user and customer account. System 101 may include file database44, subscription and purchase management system 56, content deliveryplatform and content management system 46, a financial institution 130,and communication links 62. File database 44 may include, for example, auser information module 105, a user account module 110, a customerinformation module 115, a customer account module 120, and a media file125.

Financial institution 130 may be any entity capable of conductingfinancial transactions such as an electronic or paper funds transfer.Exemplary financial institutions include banks, credit card companies,and PayPal™ Financial institution 130 may be able to access, withdraw,and/or deposit funds related to user account 110 and/or customer account120. Financial institution 130 may also be able to update a user accountmodule 110 and/or customer account module 120 to reflect, for example, atransaction.

User information module 105 may include information regarding a user.Exemplary information includes login information such as a password anduser identification and/or a user profile and/or information associatedwith a user profile and/or media file. A user profile may include, forexample, information regarding the user's interests, a musical groupthat he or she belongs to, a genre of art that he or she contributes to,and/or information regarding media files he or she has uploaded to theuser profile. User information module 105 may be in communication with,for example, user account module 110 and/or media file module 125.

User account module 110 may include, for example, information regardingan account the user has with a host website, SMS/MMS gateway, and/or WAPsite such as website 48, SMS/MMS gateway 52, and/or WAP site 50.Information included in user account module 110 may be, for example, alist of media files uploaded to user information module 105, the statusof the uploaded media files, how many customers accessed his or herprofile and/or uploaded media file, a statement prepared for the user,and any credit or debit account balance owed or due to the user. Useraccount module 110 may be in communication with, for example, userinformation module 105.

Customer information module 115 may include information regarding acustomer. A customer may be any individual and/or entity requestingaccess to a media file. Exemplary information includes login informationsuch as a password and user identification and/or a customer profile. Acustomer profile may include, for example, information regarding his orher interests, an genre of art that they contribute to, and/orinformation regarding media files he or she has uploaded to the userprofile. Customer information module 115 may also include informationregarding media files access and/or downloaded by the customer and/or aservice or periodically issued media file that the customer subscribesto. Customer information module 115 may be in communication with, forexample, customer account module 120 and/or media file module 125.

Customer account module 120 may include information regarding an accountthe user has with a host website, SMS/MMS gateway, and/or WAP site suchas website 48, SMS/MMS gateway 52, and/or WAP site 50. Customer accountmodule 120 may also include an accounting of the number of media filesaccessed by and/or downloaded to customer information module 115, thestatus of an accessed/downloaded media file, the media files and/or userprofiles he or she has accessed, a statement prepared for the customer,and any credit or debit account balance owed, or due to, the customer.

Media file module 125 may include one or more media files uploaded by auser to his or her profile. A media file uploaded to media file 125 maybe accessed/downloaded by a customer via, for example, customerinformation module 115. Exemplary media files include an MP3 file, agraphic file, a ringtone file, a document file, a game file, and a musicfile. Media file module 125 may be accessed by, for example, userinformation module 105, and/or customer information module 115.

A user and/or customer may communicate with file database 44, userinformation module 105, user account module 110, customer informationmodule 115, customer account module 120, and/or media file 125 via, forexample, website 48, SMS/MMS gateway 52, and/or WAP site 50 overcommunication links 62.

FIG. 1C is a block diagram illustrating a network system 150 enabled toupdate a user and customer account. System 150 may include file database44, subscription and purchase management system 56, content deliveryplatform and content management system 46, API 52, financial institution130, a customer information module 115, a customer account module 120,and communication links 62. File database 44 may include, for example,user information module 105, user account module 110, and media file125.

Customer information module 115 may communicate with API 52 overcommunication link 62. This communication may include a request to, forexample, access a user profile or access a media file. API 52 may beenabled to communicate with content delivery platform and contentmanagement system 46. This communication may include, for example, therequest to, for example, access a user profile or access/download amedia file and a response to the request. Content delivery platform andcontent management system 46 may be in communication with subscriptionand purchase management system 56. This communication may relate to asubscription and/or payment required from the customer to access arequested profile and/or media file. Subscription and purchasemanagement system 56 may be in communication with customer accountmodule 120 and/or financial institution 130 in order to, for example,execute the payment for access a requested profile and/or media file.Once executed, customer account module 120 and/or user account module110 may be updated to reflect the transaction.

FIG. 2 shows a diagrammatic representation of a machine in the exemplaryform of a computer system 200 within which a set of instructions forcausing the machine to perform any one or more of the methodologiesdiscussed herein, may be executed. In alternative embodiments, themachine may operate as a standalone device or may be connected (e.g.,networked) to other machines. In a networked deployment, the machine mayoperate in the capacity of a server or a client machine in aserver-client network environment, or as a peer machine in apeer-to-peer (or distributed) network environment. The machine may be apersonal computer (PC), a tablet PC, a set-top box (STB), a PersonalDigital Assistant (PDA), a cellular telephone, a web appliance, anetwork router, switch or bridge, or any machine capable of executing aset of instructions (sequential or otherwise) that specify actions to betaken by that machine. Further, while only a single machine isillustrated, the term “machine” shall also be taken to include anycollection of machines that individually or jointly execute a set (ormultiple sets) of instructions to perform any one or more of themethodologies discussed herein.

The exemplary computer system 200 includes a processor 202 (e.g., acentral processing unit (CPU), a graphics processing unit (GPU), orboth), a main memory 204 (e.g., read only memory (ROM), flash memory,dynamic random access memory (DRAM) such as synchronous DRAM (SDRAM) orRambus DRAM (RDRAM), etc.), and a static memory 206 (e.g., flash memory,static random access memory (SRAM), etc.), which communicate with eachother via a bus 208.

The computer system 200 may further include a video display 210 (e.g., aliquid crystal display (LCD) or a cathode ray tube (CRT)). The computersystem 200 may also include an alpha-numeric input device 212 (e.g., akeyboard or touch screen), a cursor control device 214 (e.g., a mouse),a disk drive unit 216, a signal generation device 218 (e.g., a speaker),and a network interface device 220.

The disk drive unit 216 includes a machine-readable medium 222 on whichis stored one or more sets of instructions 224 (e.g., software)embodying any one or more of the methodologies or functions describedherein. The software may also reside, completely or at least partially,within the main memory 204 and/or within the processor 202 duringexecution thereof by the computer system 200, the main memory 204 andthe processor 202 also constituting machine-readable media.

The software may further be transmitted or received over a network 228via the network interface device 220. Exemplary networks includeInternet 30, SMS/MMS network 40, and WAP network 38.

While machine-readable medium 224 is shown in an exemplary embodiment tobe a single medium, the term “machine-readable medium” should be takento include a single medium or multiple media (e.g., a centralized ordistributed database, and/or associated caches and servers) that storethe one or more sets of instructions. The term “machine-readable medium”shall also be taken to include any medium that is capable of storing,encoding, or carrying a set of instructions for execution by the machineand that cause the machine to perform any one or more of themethodologies of the present invention. The term “machine-readablemedium” shall accordingly be taken to include, but not be limited to,solid-state memories, optical and magnetic media, and carrier wavesignals.

FIG. 3 is a screenshot of an exemplary page showing a GUI 300 foruploading and/or selling media content on a host website. The GUIs ofFIGS. 3-8 may be generated, displayed, and managed by any system and/orapparatus enabled to generate them and communicate with a user such assystems 10, 100, 150, and/or 200. The term “artist” as used in FIGS. 3-8may be broadly interpreted to mean any use of GUIs 300-800. Thescreenshot of FIG. 3 displays a menu of tabs across the top of the page.Selection of one of the tabs by a user may initiate the display of a GUIassociated with the tab. Included in the menu of tabs is a tab for adashboard, artist profile, ringtones, graphics, store widget, promolinks, account, and help. GUI 300 may be displayed upon the selection ofdashboard tab 350, or may be shown by default.

GUI 300 includes an artist profile heading 305. Information regarding anartist or user, links to view and/or edit an artist's or user's profilemay be displayed under artist profile heading 305. GUI 300 may alsoinclude a pricing and payment heading 310. Information regarding thepricing of, for example, referrals, subscriptions, and other servicesmay be provided under pricing and payment heading 310.

GUI 300 may enables a user to upload content to a user profile and/orhost website. Information regarding uploading content may be shown underan upload content heading 315. For example, selection of an upload yourringtones and tracks menu button 320 or an upload your graphics button325 may enable a user to upload a ringtone, track, or graphic mediafile, respectively in a manner similar to, for example, attaching a fileto an e-mail, for example.

GUI 300 may also enable a user to customize a widget. Informationregarding customizing a widget is shown under a customize your storewidget heading 330. Customized widgets may enable a user to, forexample, sell a media content file anywhere on the Web and, in this way,may act as a portable store for selling media files to one or morepotential customers. Selection of the customize your widget tab 335 mayinitiate the display of a template widget and may enable the user tocustomize a template widget.

GUI 300 may provide an opportunity for a user to select and/or generateone or more promotional links. Information regarding selecting and/orgenerating one or more promotional links may be displayed under a promolinks heading 340. A user may be enabled to add, select, and/or modify asales page link under a sales page link heading 345. Text box 350 showsan exemplary sales page link. The sales page link shown in text box 350may be a direct link to sell media files to customers and getsubscribers to a user profile and/or host website. A user may alsogenerate an artist profile link under a your artist profile link heading355. An exemplary artist profile link is shown in text box 360.

FIG. 4A is a screen shot of an exemplary page showing a GUI enabling auser to generate and/or modify an artist/user profile 400. GUI 400 maybe displayed to a user upon the selection of artist profile tab 405. GUI400 provides a platform for the generation and/or modification of anartist's/user's profile. A user/artist profile may include informationregarding the genre or type of media content a user or artist uploadsand/or sells. GUI 400 may include an artist/user photo header 410. Underartist/user photo header 410, information regarding a photo or graphicto be added to an artist/user profile may be provided. Such informationmay include a link to enable a user to upload an image or graphic oraccess a previously uploaded image or graphic.

GUI 400 may also enable a user to describe an aspect of themselvesand/or the media associated with his or her profile. Informationregarding these descriptions may be provided and/or entered under agenres that describe your music/media header 415, a brief descriptionheader 420, and/or an artists that have influenced your music header425. Information may be entered by an artist/user via, for example, atext box or a drag-down list. Selection of save changes button 430 mayenable an artist/user to save one or more changes to his or her profile.

FIG. 4B is a screen shot of a page displaying an exemplary artist/userprofile 450. The contents of artist/user profile 450 may include, forexample, one or more media files, links, widgets, and APIs. The contentsof artist/user profile 450 may be, for example, a media file to accessand/or download, or a service or communication session to subscribe to,and may be offered for sale via, for example, a link, widget, and/orAPI.

FIG. 4C is a screenshot of a page showing an exemplary GUI 455 forproviding a user with a mechanism to access a user profile and/orinformation associated with a user profile. GUI 455 may be providedand/or displayed by, for example, a third party website, SMS/MMSgateway, and/or WAP site. GUI 455 includes a widget 460 and exemplarybuttons 470. A customer may access and/or request access to a userprofile and/or information associated with a user by selecting one ormore of buttons 470.

FIG. 5 shows a screenshot of a page showing an exemplary GUI forenabling a user to generate, modify, and/or sell a ringtone media file500. GUI 500 may be displayed to a user upon the selection of theringtones tab 505. GUI 500 may include a ringtone heading 510, as wellas a list of instructions 515. Exemplary instructions 515 may includeinstructions regarding the uploading, saving, and publishing of aringtone media file as well as using a set of promotional information,such as a widget or a link, to promote and/or sell a ringtone mediafile.

GUI 500 may include information regarding unpublished ringtones under anunpublished ringtone header 520, including any ringtones the user mayhave generated or modified but has not published. Information regardingunpublished ringtones may include, for example, a list of unpublishedringtones as well as cover art, title, and genre associated with aringtone media file.

GUI 500 may also include information regarding one or more ringtonemedia files offered for sale under a ringtones for sale header 525. Thisinformation may include, for example, cover art, a title, a genre,and/or promotional link associated with a ringtone media file for sale.A promotional link may be accessed by selection of a view URL buttonlike view URL button 530. A ringtone media file may be added to a userprofile in a manner similar to, for example, attaching a file to ane-mail via, for example, selection of an add a ringtone button such asadd a ringtone button 535.

FIG. 6A shows a screenshot of a page showing an exemplary GUI 600 forenabling a user to upload, sell, and/or manage a graphic media file. GUI600 may be displayed to a user upon the selection of the graphics tab605. GUI 600 may include a graphics heading 610, as well as an exemplarylist of instructions 615. Exemplary instructions 615 may includeinstructions regarding the uploading, saving, and publishing of agraphic file as well as using a set of promotional information, such asa widget or a link, to promote and/or sell a graphic media file.

GUI 600 may include information regarding one or more unpublishedgraphic media files under an unpublished graphics header 620, such as,graphic media files the user may have generated or modified but has notpublished. Information regarding an unpublished graphic media file mayinclude, for example, a list of unpublished graphics as well as coverart, title, and genre associated with an unpublished graphic media file.

A user may be enabled to add a title to an unpublished graphic mediafile via, for example, selection of add title link 625. A title may alsobe added and information related to a graphic media file may be editedor deleted upon selection of an option provided in links 630.

GUI 600 may also include information regarding one or more graphic mediafiles offered for sale under a graphics for sale header 635. Thisinformation may include, for example, a graphic media file, a title,and/or promotional link associated with a graphic media file for sale. Agraphic media file may be added to a user profile in a manner similarto, for example, attaching a file to an e-mail via, for example,selection of an add a graphic button such as add a graphic button 640.

FIG. 6B is a screenshot of a page showing a exemplary GUI 650 forproviding a user with a statement of activity regarding the userprofile. GUI 650 may be displayed to a user upon the selection of thereports tab 655. The name or title of the user profile may be displayedin heading 660.

A user may select a reporting view under a reporting view heading 665.Selecting a reporting view enables a user to view information related toa source of data associated with their user profile. For example, a usermay have mechanisms for accessing their user profile available onvarious platforms or websites, such as mySpace.com, FaceBook.com, and/ora personal website. A user may wish to view information related to onlyone of these platforms. In this case, he or she would select the one ofexemplary reporting views summary 666, ptrx 667, thpcampid 668, andthpcid 669, wherein each of these reporting views is associated with adifferent platform or website. Upon selection of a reporting view,information regarding activity related to the selected platform orwebsite may be displayed. When a user desires to view informationrelated to all of the platforms or websites associated with their userprofile, he or she may select the summary reporting view 666. Followingthis selection, a summary of all activity related to the user profilemay be displayed as shown in FIG. 6B.

A user may also select a manner of sorting the data shown on a report.For example, GUI 400 shows a sorting option of “by dates” 670. Otherexemplary sorting options include sorting by day, week, month, or mostrecent activity. Optionally, one or more text boxes 670 may be displayedwherein a user may enter a date or date range for information to beshown in a statement or report. A user may select or “click on,” forexample, a button 675 shown on the GUI to apply the selected sortingoption to the data provided on the statement or report.

Exemplary information showing activity and/or transactions regarding auser profile may be provided in table 680. Table 680 may include one ormore headings that may refer to a category of information. Exemplarycategories include the date, volume of traffic, and/or the number ofnew/existing subscriptions, and/or downloads. Information related thecategory and the user profile may be provided on the table under theappropriate heading.

FIG. 7 shows a screenshot of a page illustrating an exemplary GUI forenabling a user to generate, add, and/or modify a widget 700. GUI 700may be displayed to a user following selection of store widget tab 705.GUI 700 may include a widget box 710. Widget box 710 may include, forexample, a template or default widget. A user may be enabled to edit ormodify the content and/or format of widget box 710 via, for example,selection of edit button 735. A user may also modify a widget box 710and/or its display via selection of the wide, narrow and update menuitems 710.

GUI 700 may enable a user to place a widget on a user profile, one ormore websites, or an external website such as a user's home page or asocial networking site like MySpace.com™ via, for example selection ofan add to MySpace button 715 and/or a grab it button 720. An embeddedcode may be provided for widget box 710. This code may be displayed intext box 730. GUI 700 may also include an information bar 740 that maycontain various instructions and information regarding the creation,editing, and/or managing a widget.

FIG. 8 shows a screenshot of a page illustrating an exemplary GUI 800for enabling a user to add and/or edit a promotional link associatedwith a user's profile and/or media file uploaded to the user's profile.GUI 800 may be displayed following selection of promo links menu option805. GUI 800 may enable a user to add one or more sales page links tohis or her profile and/or an external website such as a user's home pageor a social networking website like MySpace.com™.

GUI 800 may provide an opportunity for a user to add, select, and/orgenerate one or more sales links. Information regarding selecting and/orgenerating one or more sales links may be displayed under a sales pagelink heading 810. A user may be enabled to add, select, and/or modify asales page link under sales page link heading 810. A selected and/ormodified sales page link may be displayed in a text box like text box815. Selection of a copy URL button 820 may enable a user to copy a URLdisplayed in a text box like text box 815 to, for example, a user'sprofile and/or an external webpage, like a user's home page, or socialnetworking website like MySpace.com™.

GUI 800 may also provide an opportunity for a user to add, select,and/or generate one or more links to a user/artist profile. Informationregarding adding, selecting, and/or generating one or more links to theuser/artist profile may be displayed under an artist profile heading825. A user may be enabled to add, select, and/or modify a link to theuser/artist profile under artist profile heading 825. An added,selected, and/or modified link may be displayed in a text box, like textbox 830. A link displayed in text box 830 may be copied to, for example,a user's profile and/or an external website such as a user's home pageor a social networking website like MySpace.com™ via selection of, forexample, copy URL button 820.

GUI 800 may also enable a user to create, select, and/or modify a linkto a ringtone media file and add the link to his or her profile or anexternal website such as a user's home page or a social networkingwebsite like MySpace.com™ Information regarding creating, selecting,and/or modifying a ringtone media file may be displayed under a ringtonelink header 835. A URL representing a ringtone media file may bedisplayed in, for example, a text box, such as text box 840. The URLrepresenting a ringtone media file may be copied to a location selectedby the user, such as his or her profile or an external website such as auser's home page or a social networking website like MySpace.com™ viaselection of, for example, copy URL button 820.

FIG. 9 illustrates an exemplary process 900 for selling media contentuploaded to a user profile and/or a host website. Process 900 may beperformed by a system or computer readable media or apparatus enabled tosell media content uploaded to a user profile and/or a host website,such as systems 100, 101, 150, and 200.

In step 905, login information may be received from a user. In oneembodiment, the user may enter login information via a user computersystem such as user/customer computer system 24. Entered logininformation may be communicated to a website such as website 48 via theInternet 30. In another embodiment, the user may enter login informationvia a user mobile device such as user/customer mobile device 32. Enteredlogin information may be communicated to an SMS/MMS gateway such asSMS/MMS gateway 52 via an SMS/MMS network like SMS/MMS network 40.Entered login information may also be communicated to a WAP site, suchas WAP site 50 via, for example, a WAP network like WAP network 38.Received login information may include, for example, a user ID and apassword and/or other identifying information. Received logininformation may be stored in, for example, a file database like filedatabase 44, and/or a user information module like user informationmodule 105.

In step 910, user profile information may be received via, for example,a method similar to the method of step 905. In step 915, a user profilemay be generated using, for example, the received login and/or profileinformation. A user profile may be generated by, for example, an API,such as API 52 and/or a content delivery platform and content managementsystem such as content delivery platform and content management system46. In step 920, the user profile may be hosted by a hosting entity. Ahosting entity may be, for example, a website, SMS/MMS gateway, and/orWAP site such as website 48, SMS/MMS gateway 52, and/or WAP site 50,respectively.

In step 925, a media file may be uploaded via, for example, a methodsimilar to the method of step 905. Media file may be uploaded using, forexample, a content delivery platform and content management system suchas content delivery platform and content management system 46. Exemplaryreceived media files include a music file, a graphic file, an MP3 file,a document file, a game file, and a ringtone file.

In step 930, it may be determined whether uploading the media file is incompliance with one or more copyright laws. This determination mayinclude verifying that the user uploading the media file owns or hasadequately licensed copyrights related to the content of the media file.The determination of step 930 may be performed by a content deliveryplatform and content management system such as content delivery platformand content management system 46. Exemplary methods for making thedetermination of step 930 include any known method of verifyingcopyright information such as, for instance, a three-string match or acontent protection technology such as Experian™ and/or Audible Magic™ toanalyze the copyright information associated with the media file. Ifuploading the media file is not in compliance with applicable copyrightlaws, then process 900 may end. If uploading the media file is incompliance with applicable copyright laws, then the media file may beuploaded to, for example, a user profile, as in step 935 using, forexample, a content delivery platform and content management system suchas content delivery platform and content management system.

In step 940, a unique identifier may be assigned to the uploaded mediafile and/or user profile by, for example, a content delivery platformand content management system such as content delivery platform andcontent management system 46.

In step 945, a user account may be generated. The user account mayinclude information relating to, for example, a user's profile and/ormedia files associated with a user such as a statement as described withrespect to step 995.

In step 950, the user profile, media file, and/or user account may bestored in, for example, a file database like file database 44. Userprofile may also be stored in a user information module, like userinformation module 105. The user account may be stored in, for example,a user account module, like user account module 110. A media file mayalso be stored in, for example, a media file module, like media filemodule 125.

In step 955, a media file may be associated with a user account using,for example, subscription and purchase management system, likesubscription and purchase management system 56. In step 960, a set ofpromotion and/or sales information may be provided to the user via, forexample, a website, a SMS/MMS gateway, and/or a WAP site, such aswebsite 48, SMS/MMS gateway 52, and/or WAP site 50, respectively. A setof promotion and/or sales information may be prepared by, for example, asubscription and purchase management system and/or a content deliveryplatform and content management system such as subscription and purchasemanagement system 56 and/or content delivery platform and contentmanagement system 46, respectively. Further details regarding promotionand sales information are provided with respect to FIG. 10.

In step 965, the user may select one or more sets of information and hisor her selection may be added or uploaded to the user profile and/orhost website via, for example, a website, a SMS/MMS gateway, and/or aWAP site such as website 48, SMS/MMS gateway 52, and/or WAP site 50,respectively.

In step 967, a communication may be received from a customer via, forexample, a method similar to the method of step 905. A customer may be,for example, an individual, a group of individuals, or an entity incommunication with an entity hosting a user profile and/or media file.The hosting entity may be, for example, a website, a SMS/MMS gateway,and/or a WAP site such as website 48, SMS/MMS gateway 52, and/or WAPsite 50, respectively. The communication may establish a connectionbetween the customer and the hosting entity. In some cases, thecommunication may include, for example, a request for information oraccess to a hosted user profile. In step 969, information regarding agood or service may be provided to the customer. This information mayinclude, for example, an advertisement for a good or service, arecommendation for a good or service the customer may be interested in,a user profile, and a media file.

In step 970, a request may be received from a customer to access themedia file via, for example, a method similar to the method of step 905.A third party user may also request to access a media file, such asthird party user 60, via direct interaction with an API such as API 52and/or a server computer system like server computer system 22. Acustomer may be any entity or individual wishing to purchase access to amedia file on a one time, periodic, and/or as needed basis.

In step 975, a customer account may be updated to reflect the request toaccess the media file. A customer account may be, for example, anaccount with a bank, a utility provider, a mobile communicationsprovider, a telecommunications provider, a lending institution, and anelectronic commerce institution, wherein the account is associated withthe customer. A customer account may be resident in, for example, a filedatabase like file database 44 and/or a customer account module, likecustomer account module 120. Updating the customer account may beperformed by, for example, a subscription and purchase managementsystem, such as subscription and purchase management system 56 and/or afinancial institution like financial institution 130. To update acustomer's account, a payment for accessing the requested media file maybe transferred from a customer and/or customer account. Updating thecustomer account may include, for example, an electronic funds transfer,or a credit card, debit card, or PayPal™ transaction.

In step 980, a customer may be enabled to access the requested mediafile via, for example, a content delivery platform and/or contentmanagement system such as content delivery platform and contentmanagement system 46 or a website, a SMS/MMS gateway, and/or a WAP sitesuch as website 48, SMS/MMS gateway 52, and/or WAP site 50,respectively. In some embodiments, accessing the media file may includedownloading the media file.

In step 985, one or more transactions of process 900 may be catalogedusing, for example, a content delivery platform and content managementsystem like content delivery platform and content management system 46.The unique identifier assigned to a media file and/or user profile instep 935 may be used to catalogue a transaction.

In step 990, a user's account may be updated to, for example, indicate acustomer's communication with a hosting entity and/or access of a mediafile associated with his or her account and/or profile. A subscriptionand purchase management system, such as subscription and purchasemanagement system 56 and/or a financial institution like financialinstitution 130 may be used to update the user's account. Updating auser account may include, for example, an electronic funds transferand/or a paper check.

In step 995, a statement may be prepared for the user using, forexample, a subscription and purchase management system, such assubscription and purchase management system 56 and/or a financialinstitution like financial institution 130. This statement may includeinformation regarding various transactions related to the user profile,an uploaded media file, and/or a website, a SMS/MMS gateway, and a WAPsite like host website 48, SMS/MMS gateway 52, and WAP site 50 includingthe status or cost of a transaction, and/or any credit due, or debtowed, by the user. In step 997, the statement may be provided to theuser. Following step 997, process 900 may end.

FIG. 10 illustrates an exemplary process 1000 for providing one or moresets of promotional and/or sales information and adding a selected setof information to a user's profile or another application. Process 1000may be performed by any system and/or apparatus enabled to provide oneor more sets of promotional and/or sales information and add a selectedset of information to a user's profile or another application such assystems 100, 101, 150, and/or 200.

In step 1005, one or more sets of sales or promotional information maybe provided to a user via a website, a SMS/MMS gateway, and a WAP sitelike host website 48, SMS/MMS gateway 52, and WAP site 50. Exemplarysets of sales and/or promotional information include templates forgenerating a widget, a link and/or an API and may be provided to assista user in promoting and/or selling one or more media files associatedwith his or her profile. An exemplary widget is shown in FIG. 7 andexemplary link is shown in FIG. 8.

In step 1010, a selection and/or modification of a set of informationmay be received from the user via, for example, a website, a SMS/MMSgateway, and a WAP site like host website 48, SMS/MMS gateway 52, andWAP site 50. In some embodiments, a user may select one or more of theprovided widget templates, links and/or APIs. Modifications to a widgettemplate, link, and/or API may be, for example, adding, deleting, and/ormodifying one or more components of the widget template, link, or API,respectively. In other embodiments, only one or a default widgettemplate, link and/or API may be provided.

In step 1015, it may be determined whether the selection and/ormodification is to be added to a user profile. This determination may bemade by a user and/or a system or apparatus performing the process 1000.If the selection and/or modification is not to be added to the userprofile, then it may be added to another application that is, forexample, external to the host website such user's home page or a socialnetworking website like MySpace.com™ (step 1020). In step 1025, theselection and/or modification may be added to the user profile followinga determination that it is be added to the user profile. Following step1025, process 1000 may end.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary process for storing amedia file in a digital library. Process 1100 may be performed by anysystem and/or apparatus enabled to add and store a media file in adigital library such as systems 100, 101, 150, and/or 200.

In step 1110, a media file uploaded to a hosted user profile may bestored in a digital library. A digital library consistent with anembodiment of the present invention may be resident in, for example, afile database, like file database 44. The digital library may includemedia files imported directly from, for example, a media distributioncompany or a record label like Sony Music™ or Universal Studios™.

In step 1120, the media file may be classified into one or morecategories. In some embodiments the media file may be associated withprofile information and/or a user profile. In these embodiments, theprofile information and/or user profile may be used to assist inclassifying the media file.

In step 1130, information regarding the media file may be provided to acustomer. The information may be provided based on a classification ofthe media file and a customer's expressed interest in theclassification. The information may also be provided to the customer,for example, in response to a request for information from the customeror in accordance with a promotion of the media file sponsored by theentity hosting the user profile and/or storing the media file.

While certain exemplary embodiments have been described and shown in theaccompanying drawings, it is to be understood that such embodiments aremerely illustrative and not restrictive of the current invention, andthat this invention is not restricted to the specific constructions andarrangements shown and described since modifications may occur to thoseordinarily skilled in the art.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method comprising: providing a graphical userinterface including a plurality of displayed areas configured to obtainand provide information related to promoting media content on a hostwebsite, wherein the plurality of display areas include: a first displayarea configured to display an artist profile information entry page; asecond display area configured to display a link to the artist profile;a third display area configured to display a link to a sales page;hosting, on a server computer system, an artist profile associated withan artist, the artist profile displayable on a receiving deviceaccessing the artist profile via at least one of a website, a shortmessage service (SMS)/multimedia messaging service (MMS) gateway, or awireless application protocol (WAP) site; hosting a media file uploadedto the server computer system, wherein the media file is associated withthe artist profile, and is accessible by a receiving device eitherdirectly from the sales page, or via the artist profile; providing acustomer access to the media file using either or both of the sales pageor the artist profile via at least one of the website, the SMS/MMSgateway, or the WAP site; and updating a user account associated withthe artist profile to indicate that the customer was provided access tothe media file, by executing a program instruction the server computersystem.
 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the plurality of display areasinclude a selectable object selectable to initiate widget customization.3. The method of claim 1, further comprising: updating a customeraccount associated with the customer that was provided access to themedia file.
 4. The method of claim 1, further comprising: transcodingthe media file, using a transcoding service, to a format suitable fortransmission via interaction with a graphical user interface (GUI)provided via at least one of the website, the SMS/MMS gateway, or theWAP site.
 5. The method of claim 1, the plurality of display areasfurther including a content upload section.
 6. The method of claim 1,the media file is uploaded to the artist profile in response to receiptof the media file from the artist.
 7. A method comprising: providing agraphical user interface (GUI) including: a first display areaselectable to obtain information to be included in an artist profilecapable of being displayed on a mobile device; a second display areaconfigured to display a link to the artist profile; hosting, on a servercomputer system, the artist profile associated with an artist; receivingand storing in a file database, a media file uploaded to the artistprofile; and providing a customer access to the media file in responseto selection of the link to the artist profile, wherein the access isprovided via at least one of a website, a short message service(SMS)/multimedia messaging service (MMS) gateway, or a wirelessapplication protocol (WAP) site.
 8. The method of claim 7, furthercomprising updating a user account associated with the artist profile toindicate that the customer was provided access.
 9. The method of claim7, providing the customer access to a ringtone.
 10. The method of claim7, further comprising: updating a customer account associated with thecustomer to indicate that the customer was provided access.
 11. Themethod of claim 10, the customer account is an account with at least oneof a bank, a utility provider, a mobile communications provider, atelecommunications provider, a lending institution, or an electroniccommerce institution.
 12. The method of claim 7, the GUI furtherincluding a selectable object selectable to initiate widgetcustomization.
 13. The method of claim 7, the GUI further comprising: athird display area configured to display a link to a sales page.
 14. Themethod of claim 7, further comprising: providing information to acustomer regarding the media file based on a classification of the mediafile, the media file is classified into at least one category based onprofile information received from the artist via at least one of thewebsite, the SMS/MMS gateway, or the WAP site.
 15. A system comprising:a network enabled to facilitate communication between an artistassociated with a user account, a customer, and a server computersystem; and the server computer system configured to: provide agraphical user interface including a plurality of displayed areasconfigured to obtain and provide information related to promoting mediacontent on a host website, wherein the plurality of display areasinclude: a first display area configured to display an artist profileinformation entry page; a second display area configured to display alink to the artist profile; a third display area configured to display alink to a sales page; host an artist profile associated with the artist,the artist profile displayable on a receiving device accessing theartist profile via at least one of a website, a short message service(SMS)/multimedia messaging service (MMS) gateway, or a wirelessapplication protocol (WAP) site; host information uploaded to the artistprofile; provide a customer access to the information using either orboth of the sales page or the artist profile; and update the useraccount to indicate the customer's access.
 16. The system of claim 15,the server computer system configured to: enable the customer to requestaccess to the information by selecting the link to the artist profile,in a third party web page.
 17. The system of claim 16, the informationcomprises a media file associated with the user.
 18. The system of claim17, a customer account associated with the customer is updated toindicate the customer's request.
 19. The system of claim 17, wherein theplurality of display areas include a selectable object selectable toinitiate widget customization.
 20. The system of claim 15, the servercomputer system configured to enable the customer to request access tothe information by selecting the link to the artist profile, in a thirdparty web page.